A member of the University of Colorado's Board of Regents may introduce a measure that would cut tuition for the state's undocumented students, a move similar to a new rate approved by Metropolitan State College of Denver's trustees last week.

“It is my hope that we can move forward with an in-depth analysis of the legal and financial implications that the Metro State policy raises,” Joe Neguse, D-Boulder, said Tuesday. “If that analysis is positive, I would like to present a proposal to my colleagues in the coming months.”

Neguse's comments come a day after CU President Bruce Benson told The Denver Post that while he supports increased educational opportunities, he would not have moved to create a new, lower tuition rate for undocumented students, leaving that decision to state legislators.

A bill — known as ASSET — that would have created a new tuition tier between current in-state and out-of-state rates for undocumented immigrants who have lived in the state for at least three years died in the state house this past legislative session.

Currently at CU, undocumented students -- even if they've grown up in Colorado and graduate from Colorado high schools -- pay out-of-state rates. At CU, in-state tuition next year in the College of Arts and Sciences will be $8,056, compared to $29,946 for incoming nonresident students.

Metro State's new rate, adopted on a 7-1 vote last Thursday, sets tuition for undocumented students at $6,716 per year. In-state students at Metro State pay $4,304 per year and out-of-state students pay $15,984 per semester.

For such a resolution to pass at CU, it likely would need support from at least one Republican on the nine-member Board or Regents.

COMPARING RATES

University of Colorado annual tuition rates:

In-state: $8,056

Out-of-state: $29,946

Metro State tuition annual rates:

In-state: $4,304

Undocumented: $6,716

Out-of-state: $15,984

Tillie Bishop, R-Grand Junction, voted alongside Democrats in February when the board approved a measure 5-4 endorsing the ASSET legislation. That measure was sponsored by Neguse.

Tuesday, Bishop said he's uncertain how he'd vote on a measure creating a special CU tuition tier if such a resolution is introduced.

"I support the concept, but I don't know if I want to fall in line with Metro," Bishop said. "There's too many questions yet to be resolved."

Neguse said it makes sense for the Board of Regents to evaluate the idea given that the regents are in charge of setting tuition and taking up policy issues.

"I was disappointed to see the ASSET bill fail in the House of Representatives and it looks as though Metro State has crafted an innovative policy that addresses the issue," Neguse said.

Board of Regents Chairman Kyle Hybl, R-Colorado Springs, said it's not on the board's agenda to discuss a new tier of tuition for undocumented students when it meets in Colorado Springs next week.

"My view is that the Legislature, during its last session, spoke on the topic," Hybl said.

CU system spokesman Ken McConnellogue said that regents can bring forward tuition measures, but they can expect the administration to provide context and offer pros and cons.

CU Regent Michael Carrigan, D-Denver, said that he supported the ASSET legislation and was disappointed it failed in the Legislature.

"We are, however, a state institution, and I want to make sure that we are showing appropriate respect for the General Assembly as we explore our options," Carrigan said.

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